Believed to be the first carbon-positive library in the USA, In 2009 it was offseting 176,620 pounds of carbon dioxide. The building includes a 108 kw photovoltaic system which generates more than a third of the building's power and will save the library $30,000 a year in energy costs. Also uses geothermal heating and cooling, and incorporates Solatubes which are reflective tubes that capture daylight and deliver it inside to illuminate interior spaces. The building will will be LEED certified. Building information: http://www.anythinklibraries.org/news-item/anythink-brighton-becomes-first-carbon-positive-library-us

Features a green roof which helps to insulate the building and reduces the amount of rain water that would flow into storm drains. To conserve energy the building incorporates 17 solar panels on tHe roof and uses occupancy light sensors in offices. Seven skylights strategically placed take advantage of natural daylight. The restrooms feature waterless urinals. Recycled carpet, glass, and ceiling tiles were used throughout the building. The Ballard Branch was selected by the American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment as one of the Top Ten Green Projects for the 2006. Building information: http://www.spl.org/default.asp?pageID=branch_open_other&branchID=3

The Blair Library has been credited with several firsts. It was one of the first public libraries in the US to register with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It was the first building project in the state of Arkansas to register for LEED certification, and the first municipal building to be certified. The library opened in October 2004 and was completed in spring 2006. The 88,000 square foot facility features a cistern to catch rainwater for irrigation, a white membrane roof, cork flooring, recycled content furnishings, waterless urinals low VOC finishes and fabrics etc. Received LEED Silver NC certification.Building information: http://www.faylib.org/new_library/index.asp

Bozeman Public Library. Bozeman , MT

One of only four LEED certified buildings in Montana, the building utilizes natural daylighting, green materials that have high recycled content, a 34 kW photovoltaic system, waterless urinals, landscaping requiring low irrigation requirements, R-20 translucent wall panels (Kalwall), storm retention ponds, “night sky” compliant exterior light fixtures, night flushing to reduce summer cooling loads and high efficiency HVAC equipment. Before construction began, the site was deemed a “brownfield” site and was remediated of the heavy metal and asbestos contaminants. Received LEED Silver certification. Building information: http://www.headwatersnews.org/p.bozemanlibrary111507.html

Budlong Woods Branch. Chicago Public Library. Chicago, IL

Officially opened as a green library in 2003 and incorporates a 16kw photovotaic system which provides seven percent of the buildings energy. Also incorporated improved wall and roof insulation, lighting controls, and windows that keep heat out but let in light, which enable it to need twenty percent less energy than required by the Chicago Energy Code. Received LEED certification. Building information: http://www.pbcchicago.com/content/projects/project_detail.asp?pID=CPL-20

Central Library. Seattle Public Library. Seattle, WA

Uses automatic lighting controls to reduce light pollution. Over 20 percent of the building products used in the Central Library were manufactured within 500 miles of Seattle and more than 75 percent of demolition and construction waste was recycled. Reduced the "heat island effect" by planting trees around the building and using drought resistant plants in the landscaping. All irrigation provided by rainwater collected from building exterior and stored in a 40,000-gallon tank. Received LEED Silver certification. Building information: http://www.spl.org/default.asp?pageID=branch_central_sustainable&branchID=1

New building materials were composed of 60% recycled materials and 43% of raw building materials were manufactured within 500 miles of the library. The building features low flow water aerators for reduced water consumption and optimized energy performance by using automation devices and occupancy sensors for building heating and cooling. To improve indoor air quality, incorporated low volatile organic compound (VOC) emitting paints, carpets, and adhesives. Received LEED Silver certification. Building information: http://www.college.emory.edu/candler/index.html

The first LEED commercial interior library in the U.S. to receive platinum status and the second library in the nation to receive platinum, in all LEED programs. The Library's comprehensive green cleaning plan won a LEED innovation credit. Construction and building achievements include: 55% water savings; 92% construction waste recycled; 85% certified sustainable wood products; and 97% Energy Star equipment. Received LEED Platinum certification. Building information: http://www.poudrelibraries.org./counciltree/

The Darien Library won the 2009 top award for Institutional/Public Building from the Connecticut Green Building Council (CTGBC). Highlights of the new building include geothermal wells used for both a heating and cooling source. Incorporated heavy mass to provide thermal effeciency and comfort. Located on a brownfield site, the library incorporated water conservation on site for grey water usage. Projected to be a LEED Gold certified library. Building information: http://www.darienlibrary.org/taxonomy/term/15/all

The Dexter Library's most impressive feature is its geothermal wells. The library is primarily heated by 30 geothermal wells extending 230 feet into the earth. Other sustainability features include low-flow plumbing fixtures, onsite storm water management, and low VOC building materials. In addition, while being built the library was able to keep seventy five percent of the construction and demolition waste out of the landfill. The library is currently pursuing Gold LEED status. Building information: http://www.northland.edu/sustainability-campus-initiatives-dexter-library

The East Grand Rapids Branch of the Kent District Library opened in August 2006. It is housed in the East Grand Rapids Community Center in East Grand Rapids, Michigan on the shores of Reeds Lake. The building is a multi-function facility and houses the library as well as the City's administrative offices, engineering operations, Parks & Recreation Department and several multi-purpose rooms used for programs, meetings, events and rentals. The Community Center has a vegetative roof (green roof) and rooftop mounted photovoltaic electrical generation systems. During construction 93% of the construction waste was recycled and 53% of materials used were manufactured within 500 miles of the site. Received LEED certification. Building information: http://www.eastgr.org/?t=135&c=154

Eden Prairie Library.Eden Prairie, MN

Eden Prairie Library is believed to be the first library in the US to use a natural gas fuel cell to create power and heat on-site. The fuel cell generates 5 kilowatts of electricity which is enough power to operate a typical home and has an annual utility savings of $82,000. The Minnesota Sustainable Design Guide was used in the design of the building. Some of the sustainable components incorporated into the Library include: the reuse of an existing building (the building was formerly a grocery store); low emitting VOC materials; recycled content carpet tiles; efficient lighting controls; sustainable landscaping incorporating native plants; and on-site rain water management. Building information: http://www.hclib.org/News.cfm?ID=970